Killer parents' trial delayed again

2012-11-05 21:10

(Supplied)

Johannesburg - The parents of a baby boy who were convicted of killing their two-month-old son will have to wait until February next year to hear their fate, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard on Monday.

Judge Cynthia Pretorius convicted Marissa Rudman and her lover Nolan Schoeman in August of killing Wade.

He sustained severe head injuries four days after being admitted to the Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria in April 2009.

According to medical evidence, the injuries had been caused by direct blunt force trauma.

He was admitted to another state hospital a week earlier, but Rudman discharged him against medical advice.

The baby had two broken forearms and 22 broken ribs that were more than a week old and had already started to heal.

He had a severe lung contusion caused by a direct hard blow to the chest as well as bruises and abrasions on his face, chest and his feet.

A nine-year-old boy testified that he had seen Schoeman hitting the baby on the head with his fist.

Two medical doctors testified that the baby's injuries would immediately have been clearly visible but both accused denied being aware of any injuries or abuse.

Pretorius found Rudman had been aware that Schoeman continuously assaulted the baby but did nothing to help her child.

The trial was postponed last month when Schoeman’s advocate, M J Ledwaba, asked for more time to obtain a probation officer’s report.

Ledwaba said on Monday that the Legal Aid Board had appointed a psychiatrist to compile a report on Schoeman, but he needed until January next year.

Pretorius ordered Ledwaba to consult with his client to get clear instructions if he wanted a report by a probation officer or a psychiatrist.

“This is ridiculous. We can’t go on like this," said Pretorius.

“It is unacceptable to me that we have to drag out a criminal matter that has been dragging on for years, but we have no choice."

She said she will not postpone the case again.

Schoeman, who is in custody, was not present for his trial after being hospitalised over the weekend.

The trial was postponed to 18 February next year.

- SAPA